Melbourne is regarded as the fashion capital of Australia and rightfully so! The city is a shopping paradise especially for those who are label conscious and looking for stuff by Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Cose Ipanema, Issey Miyake and Armani to name a few. Local designers such as Jane Lamerton, Saba, Collette Dinnigan and Alannah Hill are also in great demand.
Set in the heart of Sydney's shopping area, is Queen Victoria Building; a glittering, multi - level shopping arcade with more than 200 fashion boutiques, jewelers, specialty shops and cafes. Other than the numerous international designers, Sydney also offers fine jewels, antiques, aboriginal artifacts, Italian leathers and opals from the Australian outback.
For unusual souvenirs pick up Thunder Eggs, which are formed when molten volcanic lava cools and the steam forms an expanding bubble to create a beautiful mosaic in the stone. These beautiful stones are found at Mount Hay and Mount Tamborine in South - East Queensland and can be purchased on site or at select retail outlets in major cities.
With its tree - lined streets, Cairns boasts of great shopping malls, efficient transport, sophisticated hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants, cafes and nightclubs and a lifestyle that is in keeping with contemporary city living. Cairns has an excellent range of outlets and shopping centres offering a variety of goods including luxurious brand shops, duty - free stores, boutiques, galleries and craft shops. Walk around the streets of Cairns to find many souvenirs shops and galleries. Facing the Cairns Harbour, The Pier Market Place has a great view over the bay. The Cairns Central Shopping Centre, contains large department stores, supermarkets and cinema and is extremely popular with local shoppers. Located along the shores of Trinity Inlet at Esplanade Street, the Night Market is open every evening. Aboriginal artworks, handmade accessories by the local artists, t - shirts and opals are can be found in plenty. Walk through Rustys Bazaar held on Saturday and Sunday every week. It is a great place to purchase vegetables, fruit and everyday clothing. Marina Mirage which is one and a half hours North, in Port Douglas, is another luxury shopping experience of the area.
